Portobello Institute Proudly Sponsors Best People Development Award at the Facilities Management Awards 2026

As a leading provider of Facilities Management qualifications in Ireland for over a decade, Portobello Institute is proud to support the acknowledgement of personal and professional development at the Facilities Management Awards 2026.

The awards return on 11th March at the Royal Convention Centre Dublin, bringing together Ireland’s facilities and property management industry to celebrate excellence and achievement.

Since 2014, the awards have recognised high-performing teams and organisations, providing national recognition through a prestigious gala event.

Judged by a panel of senior industry leaders and academics, the event highlights leadership, innovation and professional excellence across the evolving sector.

Portobello Institute is delighted to sponsor the People Development in Facilities Management Award, recognising organisations that demonstrate outstanding commitment to investing in their people and building strong, future-focused FM teams.

At Portobello Institute, our students upskill from IWFM level 4 through to IWFM 5, BSc (Hons) degree, postgraduate certificate and MSc in Workplace and Facilities Management, internationally recognised qualifications awarded by London Metropolitan University.

At all levels and stages of career from starting out to securing promotions and senior leadership Portobello Institute offers pathways to in-depth learning from industry experts and professional development.

What are the Facilities Management Awards?

The FM Awards are the premier awards programme in recognising the excellent work carried out by Ireland’s facility and property management teams and companies as well as a superb opportunity for the industry to come together and celebrate with our peers.

The gala awards ceremony is annually attended by the profession’s leading figures, and past winners are a who’s who of Ireland’s facility and property management specialists.

Celebrating Excellence 

A broad range of awards will be presented on the night, recognising excellence across the facilities management profession. Categories include long-standing awards such as Overall Excellence in Facilities Management and Facilities Management Leader of the Year, alongside specialist categories focused on innovation, sustainability, wellbeing and people development. Supported by many of Ireland’s leading organisations, the awards also provide a valuable networking opportunity, bringing together senior FM professionals and industry decision-makers from across the country.

Commenting on the importance of people development within the facilities management profession, Gerry Kelly, Facilities Management Programme Lead at Portobello Institute, said:

“Developing people is one of the most important priorities, and greatest opportunities, in the facilities management profession today.

“The strength of any FM team lies in its ability to grow through continuous learning, hands-on experience and clear career progression. This award celebrates organisations that invest meaningfully in their people, and that same commitment is consistently reflected in the most successful FM teams across the sector.”

Portobello Institute Proudly Involved 

Portobello Institute is a category sponsor at this year’s awards, supporting the People Development in Facilities Management Award.

This category reflects the Institute’s evolving Facilities Management focus, positioning Portobello as a centre for management and leadership within the built environment.

Through our Facilities Management programmes, Portobello Institute supports professionals in developing the operational, leadership and people-focused skills required to manage complex environments and deliver meaningful impact.

With accessible education and clear progression pathways, we support FM professionals to progress from operational roles through to senior leadership, while remaining closely aligned to industry needs.

Sponsoring this award highlights Portobello Institute’s commitment to people development, professional progression and the continued advancement of facilities management as a leadership-led profession.

Speaking on the Institute’s sponsorship of the People Development in Facilities Management Award, College Director Denise Flood said:

“People development is at the heart of strong, effective facilities management. Education plays a critical role in building the skills, confidence and leadership capability professionals need to progress and make a real impact within the built environment.

“At Portobello Institute, our focus is on delivering industry-driven, leadership-focused education that supports career progression and helps develop future-ready FM leaders. By working closely with industry and investing in people, we are contributing to the long-term strength and professionalism of the sector,” she said.

More information

For more information you can visit www.fmawards.ie 

Explore Facilities Management Programmes

You can explore the Facilities Management faculty at Portobello Institute here.

Portobello Institute offers a range of programmes designed to support professionals in developing management capability, leadership confidence and operational expertise.

Whether you are looking to upskill, progress into leadership or formalise your experience through recognised qualifications, guidance is available. You can book a consultation with Niall Downey, Facilities Management Career Consultant here, email niall.downey@portobelloinstitute.com or call 01 892 0043.